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BOSTON -- Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker signed a critical bill today aimed at stemming the youth vaping epidemic. “An Act to Modernize Tobacco Control” is the first state law that prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco. It’s a major step to protect youth because four out of five kids who have used tobacco started with a flavored product. The bill passed both houses of the legislature with an overwhelming majority.

The new law will also tax tobacco vaping products at the same rate as cigarettes, increase retailer fines for sales to minors, and provide for insurance-covered cessation tools.

U.S. PIRG End the Nicotine Trap Campaign Director Matt Wellington released the following statement applauding the new law:

“Unfortunately, when it comes to youth tobacco use, vaping is proving that history can repeat itself. But Massachusetts legislators rose to the challenge. Banning the sale of all flavored products will protect our children’s health from the e-cigarette epidemic that is currently choking our country.

“Other states should follow Mass.’ lead and prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products to prevent more of our kids from being hooked in a potentially life-long struggle with nicotine addiction.”